Set N35 of the EMU JR East 115 series before coloring change (June, 2018)
The EMU 115 series is a standard local train launched in 1963. Nearly 2,000 units had been built for 20 years, but most of them have already been scrapped. For instance, all the 115 series had already been replaced by the 211 series on the Chuo line in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Niigata area is no exception. Many sets of the 115 series have already been replaced by the E129 series. Currently, only 7 sets of the 115 series are barely living; the 115 series is close to extinction in the Niigata area.
The JR East Niigata Branch Office has started action for rail fans under the above circumstances. On February 22nd this year, they started to ask the public to help the next color design for set N35 of the 115 series, since set N35 is going to be taken out of operation for inspection. It will be a good chance to change the body color for rail fans. Then, on July 24th, they announced the result. Set N35 will be backed from "the 3rd generation Niigata color" to "the 2nd generation Niigata color" upon many requests by rail fains.
Eventually, on September 14th, the JR East Niigata Branch Office made a press release announcing that set N35 of the EMU 115 series with "the 2nd generation Niigata color" will be launched on September 15th.
By cooperation of the railway operator and the rail fans, the last chapter of the 115 series has just begun in the Niigata area.
The JR East Niigata Branch Office has started action for rail fans under the above circumstances. On February 22nd this year, they started to ask the public to help the next color design for set N35 of the 115 series, since set N35 is going to be taken out of operation for inspection. It will be a good chance to change the body color for rail fans. Then, on July 24th, they announced the result. Set N35 will be backed from "the 3rd generation Niigata color" to "the 2nd generation Niigata color" upon many requests by rail fains.
Eventually, on September 14th, the JR East Niigata Branch Office made a press release announcing that set N35 of the EMU 115 series with "the 2nd generation Niigata color" will be launched on September 15th.
By cooperation of the railway operator and the rail fans, the last chapter of the 115 series has just begun in the Niigata area.
"The 2nd generation Niigata color" of the EMU 115 series (June, 2014)
Official information about the EMU JR East 115 series (in Japanese):